2 Friends is kicking off 2018 with two featured artists for First Friday, and a big post holiday sale to help make room for our latest finds. Join us this First Friday from 5-7 pm and take in the beautiful works of painter Vladimir Zhikhartsev and clay artist Michael Anderson.

Vladimir Zhikhartsev came from Providenijya, Russia in 1996 to carve ice. His formal education was in Russia, but for the past 22 years he has been teaching and working from his home studio in Fairbanks. Vladimir continues to participate and judge ice art competitions all around the world. He is also the current president of the Fairbanks Watercolor Society. We are beyond excited to show his paintings in the gallery and think you will absolutely fall in love with his gorgeous work!

Bird Vessel by Michael Anderson

If you haven't seen Michael Anderson's large installations around Alaska or the lower 48, hopefully you've seen his magnificent Alaska motif pottery here in the gallery. For the month of January we will be featuring his work, including birds, sea life, mugs and urns. From small bowls to large, lidded vessels, each brilliantly original piece will delight you!

Our January non-profit is the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America. One of the greatest philanthropic organizations in the world is Shriners Hospital for Children. The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America plays a big part in supporting this philanthropy. Our local chapter has worked tirelessly since 1969 for Alaska kids. Most of the money raised is used to transport kids along with a parent or guardian from Anchorage to Shriners Outreach Clinics or a Shriners Hospital for treatment. Children are treated regardless of the family's ability to pay.

Their annual silent/live auction event will be held on March 3, 2018 at the Al Aska Shrine building, located at 1930 E. Northern Lights Blvd. They will be having a Hawaiian theme this year. 2 Friends Gallery usually buys a table and we know it to be a fantastic event. Please consider donating auction items, and attending the event if you are able. To offer assistance or purchase tickets call Clara King at 227-8412 or e-mail her at princessone@ak.net. Hope to see you there!